The right side wins because the alpine crossing on descent offers sustained, dramatic terrain — snow-capped peaks, a large lake, and a sharp transition to the plains — while the left side's reward is a brief, low-altitude glimpse of London right after takeoff.
Flight Path
Eastern France (Champagne and Burgundy plains), the Swiss Jura range, and the northern foothills of the western Alps near Geneva before the descent into the Po Valley.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTDeparting LHR on the standard westerly departure, the aircraft banks left toward the southeast, briefly swinging London's skyline and the Thames into view on the left side before the route heads out over Surrey and the Channel coast. It's a short, low-altitude glimpse rather than a sustained view, so it only lifts the left side modestly.
Landing at LIN
RIGHTOn descent into Linate the flight path crosses the western Alps before dropping into the Po Valley, putting the high snow-capped peaks of the Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa massifs on the right side of the aircraft. This gives a dramatic contrast between jagged alpine terrain and the flat Lombardy plain just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Linate (LIN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Milan. The right side wins because the alpine crossing on descent offers sustained, dramatic terrain — snow-capped peaks, a large lake, and a sharp transition to the plains — while the left side's reward is a brief, low-altitude glimpse of London right after takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LHR on the standard westerly departure, the aircraft banks left toward the southeast, briefly swinging London's skyline and the Thames into view on the left side before the route heads out over Surrey and the Channel coast. It's a short, low-altitude glimpse rather than a sustained view, so it only lifts the left side modestly. Notable sights include: River Thames, City of London and Canary Wharf towers, Windsor Castle, Surrey countryside.
What can I see when landing at Linate in Milan?
When landing at Linate (LIN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On descent into Linate the flight path crosses the western Alps before dropping into the Po Valley, putting the high snow-capped peaks of the Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa massifs on the right side of the aircraft. This gives a dramatic contrast between jagged alpine terrain and the flat Lombardy plain just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mont Blanc massif, Monte Rosa, Lake Maggiore, Po Valley farmland.
How long is the flight from London to Milan?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Linate (LIN) takes 2h 05m.
What does the London to Milan flight path pass over?
Eastern France (Champagne and Burgundy plains), the Swiss Jura range, and the northern foothills of the western Alps near Geneva before the descent into the Po Valley.